MOTOR RACING: Indy Car test will make up for Harvey’s disappointing race weekend

Jack Harvey

Published:19:19Wednesday 12 August 2015

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Bassingham racing driver Jack Harvey endured a frustrating weekend in Mid-Ohio as he fell victim to a number of racing incidents in both Indy Lights races, which left him unable to convert a very strong qualifying session into two race wins.

But his disappointment will soon be forgotten when race series leader Jack undertakes his debut drive in an IndyCar test in Sonoma this week.

The Racing Steps Foundation-backed driver was optimistic of repeating last year’s result at Mid-Ohio, and securing another two race wins to add to his already impressive tally for 2015. In last Saturday’s qualifying session, Jack laid down the gauntlet to his championship contenders, posting a lap time of 01.13.0838, which put him on the front row of the grid for race one.

Despite making a great start to the race, he was taken out by contact on the opening lap. His Schmidt Peterson Motorsports team was able to fix his car and get him back out on track, but Jack was way down the running order. Despite finishing 11th, he was still able to maintain his championship lead.

On Sunday morning, Jack lined up on the grid in pole position. When the race went green he was squeezed back to P2 and spent the next 19 laps on the tail of the race leader, looking for a way past. On lap 20, Jack made a move for the race lead but was pushed on to the grass and, as a result, sustained damage to his front wing. He stayed out on track but had dropped back down the field, and when the chequered flag fell he crossed the finish line in 10th.

Despite a hugely frustrating weekend, Jack was able to maintain his championship lead by six points as the Indy Lights Championship heads into the final two races of the season at Laguna Seca in September.

Jack’s IndyCar test drive takes place on Thursday when he will get behind the wheel of his Schmidt Peterson team’s Arrow Electronics single seater.

Jack said: “This kind of opportunity is everything I have been working for since I was nine years old in go-karting. I want to give a good account of myself and show the team I’m ready and capable for a full-time IndyCar ride next year. The test will be the best time to prove it.”

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